Valley Lighting Founding Owner to Retire

On December 31, 2014, Valley Lighting experienced the end of an era, as Executive Vice President and founding owner Tom Jones retired.

Since 1965, Tom has diligently worked to provide top-quality lighting fixtures, Lamps and accessories in what began as retail showroom business and has become a national leader in the commercial lighting industry. Starting out, Tom and then-partner Jerry Portnoy found themselves working six, seven days a week, 18 hours a day, and would have to go out, foot to the pavement, to overcome the challenge of finding and retaining customers.

Early commercial work included a national account with Merry-Go-Round retail stores and Rouse Company National Mall work. Valley Lighting has grown well beyond that to include large retail and entertainment complexes, multi-use residential/retail facilities, convention centers, casinos, stadiums, law firms, office buildings, churches, schools, and any other project that our customers are bidding. But more than that has changed over the last 50 years; the main headquarters on York Road in Towson moved to Linthicum, MD. And our overall business model has dramatically evolved. Despite that, Tom says several things have stayed steadfast: clients have remained loyal over the years because they know they can expect and receive fantastic service and a relationship based on trust.

“While we may be in the business of lighting, we’re ultimately bound by the business of relationships. Valley Lighting prides itself on providing professional, excellent service and competitive pricing and products,” Tom states.” “That’s something I’m proud of establishing and continuing, and I know the company will continue to grow for years to come because of that.”

Tom and his wife will be heading to Florida for the New Year, where he hopes to indulge in his love of deep sea fishing. He anticipates wintering every year in Florida with his boat and perhaps enjoying life as a “snowbird.” He still plans on checking back every once in a while, and, though retired, will continue to actively serve on the board for the next five years.

Tom, we congratulate you on 50 years of service with Valley Lighting and thank you for your hard work over the years. You will be missed!